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Monday, April 13, 2015

A Male Downy Woodpecker

You've seen pictures of a Downy Woodpecker here several times now, but these are a first. After looking at my newest pictures I discovered something different about this bird. I know you won't notice it until I point it out to you. It's a small thing, but it's very noticeable.

On the back of this bird's head is a bright red band. That red band marks it as a male Downy Woodpecker. The female doesn't have this red mark. After seeing that mark I realized that it explains so much about the woodpecker I've been watching.

Once I put out this feeder I noticed that the Downy Woodpecker was coming to it very very often. I was wondering how it could stuff itself so much. Any time another bird showed up the Woodpecker was quickly there soon after.

Now I know that this bird shows up so often because it's actually more than one bird. There are at least two of these Woodpeckers at the feeder. I can only tell now because of that red mark, but I'm also beginning to suspect that there may be even three or more of these birds coming.

Here above you can really get a good look at the red mark on the back of the Woodpecker's head.

I'm still very behind on posting my bird pictures. Maybe I'll catch up if the birds that come to the feeder begin to slow down. They have slowed quite a bit. It seems the same birds are coming over and over. I'm getting the two kinds of Woodpeckers and the Juncos, and that's mostly it. I won't keep repeatedly showing you pictures of them unless I have a good reason.

Now that the weather is warming up maybe other birds will come over. I haven't seen any yet. The Woodpeckers dominate the feeder while the Juncos pick up the scraps. And the Juncos will soon be gone. What will replace them? I'll talk to you later.

You have the red bellied and the downy and I'm learning how to tell those two kinds and now the male and female downy apart ...so go ahead and post as often as you like... I learn something new each time I visit.

Such wonderful photos Ratty...I did notice the red band on it's head before you pointed it out to us...I found it very striking...I bet the male woodpeckers are visiting so often to collect for for nesting mums and chicks so maybe it is only one visiting?? Something to think about!!

The Everyday Adventurer

Everyday and every day are commonly confused in English. There’s no difference in pronunciation, but using the wrong one when writing is a mistake in the everyday English language you use every day.

EverydayEveryday is an adjective that means commonplace, ordinary, or normal.

Example: These shoes are great for everyday wear.

Every DayEvery day means "each day."

Example: I go to the park every day.

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I Am The Everyday Adventurer

I am The Everyday Adventurer and I will take you on a journey through nature trails, local places, shops, bridges, parks, hiking, and other adventures. We'll get stranded on a deserted island, and find the way back to civilization. Learn what it's like to get caught in a winter blizzard. See photos of falling snow. A bridge to another world. Hidden rivers, and lakes. A creepy swamp. Wild animals, and strange plants. Who knows? You could discover your own everyday fun. This is a tour of the unknown and magical. We'll travel to Wonderland and back. You'll see the rabbit and the blue caterpillar. You'll even meet Alice. A trip through lost and hidden places. You'll see strange oddities that are rare and wondrous. How about a weird arcade of the bizarre? Or a look through time and history? It's all here. The world waits for you! So look around, and be amazed!